How it works....
7
WHAT IS
SUSTAINABILITY?
No.7 in a series of information sheets published by Catchfrench Design
Introduction
In recent years sustainability has crept into
everyday phrases and conversations, along with
the terms carbon footprint and greenhouse
gases, zero carbon and climate change. But what
does it mean in terms of your project, your new
home, your extension?
Definitions
According to the United Nations In relation to
buildings the use is often meant in a technical way
when thinking about materials or services. A common
definition used in building terms is to 'meet the
needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.'
Climate change: Whether you think the changes to our
weather and flooding that we experience is down to a
natural cycle in the earth's climate, or as a direct
result of the changes to the atmosphere humans are
having, there is definitely an extreme change taking
place with temperatures rising, water levels rising, and
new weather records being consistently broken.
Carbon footprint: An description to cover the amount
of CO2 gas released into the atmosphere from a
process.
Greenhouse Gases: Describes those gases found in the earth's
atmosphere that absorb and omit the radiation and are the cause of
the greenhouse effect, including: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
ozone and water vapour.
Zero-carbon: In relation to a building, it is where enough energy is
produced on site to match that being used.
What can I do?
As the client you are in a position to decide how sustainable you would
like your project to be. It is key to discuss the matter very early on in the
design process to ensure that all the members of the design team share
your vision. It is difficult to make changes further down the line, so be as
clear as possible on your requirements. You must achieve certain
minimum standards as discussed later on. However many people choose
to make their projects more sustainable than required.
Requirements and Considerations
The sustainable considerations for your project will include:
materials
material sources
 processes
 on-site energy production
 typical building uses and
times
 pollution
transport of materials
carbon footprint of materials
 site benefits
 size of spaces
 flexibility / future uses
 waste and recycling
your well-being
heating technologies
 water usage
 management systems
 finishes
 construction process
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Some of these will be more important than others so discuss them with
your architect early on.
Management and Handover
It can be all very well and good to invest in green technologies for
your building but the managing and maintaining of these systems
plays a big part in them being successful in the long run. Ensure
that you are fully briefed on how each system works when you take
occupancy of your project.
Legislation and Regulations
There are two main requirements that new domestic building works
have to comply with: The Code for Sustainable Homes, and the
Building Regulations: specifically Part L. These two documents set
minimum standards for sustainable factors of every development.
The Code for Sustainable Homes is explored in greater depth in
leaflet No 8 of this series.
Costs
Some sustainable approaches can be inexpensive, especially
if considered early on. Other technologies were quite
expensive but in the last few years the popularity of these
has reduced the costs.
The government have introduced incentives to help achieve
some of the targets set in the past couple of decades. The
Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) are
constantly changing the figures, but Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)
pay homeowners who have surplus energy for feeding it back
into the national grid. Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI) and
The Green Deal offer loans or reduced costs for improved
insulation, heating appliances, and other sustainable
improvements, often on refurbishments. Other grants are
also available for certain projects.
Further resources
RIBA Guide:- Sustainable Buildings:
the client's role
RIBA Toolkit www.architecture.com
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Other information sheets:
Why an Architect & Why a Chartered Practice
Agreements and the RIBA Plan of Work Explained
Consultants and their roles
Planning and Building Regulations
Designing and Decision Making
During Construction Practical Completion and Beyond
What is Sustainability?
Code for Sustainable Homes
Catchfrench Design—A brief History
Interior Design
Interior Designers—what do they do?
NB —These notes are intended as a guide only and are not intended to be exhaustive.
We do not accept liability for any inaccuracy of the information contained within.
If you have any questions about the
contents of this information sheet or
would like to know more please speak to
one of our staff at Catchfrench Design.
Catchfrench Design
Catchfrench
Trerulefoot
Saltash
Cornwall
PL12 5BY
01503 240781
[email protected]
www.catchfrenchdesign.co.uk
March 2012